COMBAT and keeping the Latinos quiet

I don't want to go into much detail here but it seems that anybody who thought that Mike Sanders would bring in a new era of efficiency, integrity and cooperation at the County Courthouse was just plain wrong . . . Some e-mails sent my way along with a lot of public sentiment pretty much prove that it's business as usual for the County and make it clear nothing much has changed.

More specifically, Luis Cordova a new member of the COMBAT Resource Committee and one of the few Latino voices at the County is basically being told to keep his mouth shut . . . Which goes a long way toward proving that minority access at the County Courthouse is still as limited as ever unless you're one the of new Black friends that Mike Sanders has garnered in what seems to be (in the grand sense) just another game of musical chairs for differing sets of minority leaders working alongside County government.

Anyway, here is the juiciest bit of correspondence allegedly sent from Jim Nunnelly, an administrator of Jackson County's COMBAT anti-drug program who seems to be giving Cordova the standard line that's used when most politicos address local Latinos (i.e. "Wait over there quietly in the corner Pancho") or anybody else they want to blow off (no homo). Check it:

>>> Jim Nunnelly 4/24/2007 12:51 PM >>>
Luis, it is unreasonable to expect the committee to come forth with some viable recommendations, without some fundamental understanding of the programs that COMBAT funds. As they get comfortable, the issues you raise will be dealt with, but only at their discretion . . . Thus, there will be an opportunity for you to voice any programmatic concerns you may have, at some point. We will take whatever time necessary but remember that Dan Tarwater wanted a quicker turnaround. Moreover, it is essential that we provide them with just enough information to tackle the harder issues i.e. programmatic structure, evaluation, publicity, innovation, effectiveness, integration, and changing needs of the population . . . I will forward your concerns to Mike and make sure you are heard. However, please do not conclude anything at this time...it is only the beginning steps. Thanks for your suggestions. Remember you were chosen to offer your views and you will be given an opportunity to do so.....

There are a lot of other issues brought into play by this e-mail . . . Most importantly, the Combat Resource Committee doesn't seem to have much autonomy at all if they're being told when to roll over, play fetch, when to speak and how long they must raise their hand before they're called upon . . . Put simply, if the members of the Resource Committee are going to be put in check they don't seem to be much of a check, balance or even a worthwhile endeavor for anyone taking part.

Secondly, talk to any Latino who works in politics and they'll most likely note that the condescending attitudes from their colleagues are some of the first obstacles they have to overcome. From both white and Black people in power . . . If a Latino wants to take part in the political process they better become accustomed to getting talked down to and ignored. Certainly, other than a few bright spots, I wouldn't count on Latinos getting anything other than the shaft (ew) from County Government in the near future given the attitudes of the current power brokers.